This is actually a widespread idea... when I suggest to a patient (and more and more often it is a male patient) re-drawing and/or plumping up the mouth, the usual reaction is a categorical “NO”, accompanied by: “I don’t want a duck-bill / fish-mouth / a mouth like that actress”. ...
Fortunately, it is possible to touch up a mouth without making it either hideous or ridiculous : it’s all a question of moderation and in suiting each case. Hyaluronic acid is used, which is available in different consistencies (more or less thick, more or less volumising) depending what is wished: it’s up to the doctor to choose, according to the patient’s physiognomy (and not only the physiognomy of the mouth, as that has to be in harmony with the face) … it’s all a question of overall harmony, and of course the patient’s wishes.
How do you improve a mouth with hyaluronic acid?
- By redefining the contours: that is, the vermilion border (naturally more or less prominent) and which has a tendency to disappear with the years, leading to the appearance of wrinkles, to a less defined contour, to a flattening of the mouth. For that, a small quantity of hyaluronic acid is injected into the space between the vermilion zone (the mucous membrane) and the ‘white’ lip (the skin) which has the effect of re-structuring the mouth by following its natural outline.
- By softening the little perioral lines: thanks to a very fluid hyaluronic acid carefully placed in the wrinkle to fill it in. It is important to place it in very small quantities, to avoid an unattractive swollen look at all costs – it is far better to have a few imperfections and keep a natural look! This is highly effective as it prevents the lines from worsening, and makes a lasting repair.
- By re-plumping the mucous membrane: depending on the thickness of the hyaluronic acid used, more or less volume can be given to the mouth, from being content with a subtle rehydration with a small increase in volume to a large volume increase. It all depends on the choice of hyaluronic acid and the quantity injected.
- By lifting the falling corners of the mouth: by injecting small quantities if hyaluronic acid into the corners of the mouth, the extremities can be lifted which improves a sad or severe expression. However, be warned: this is not always possible.
Pain: this is a very sensitive area, so it is better to use a local anaesthetic to avoid pain. An anaesthetic cream (applied an hour beforehand) may not be sufficient, even though there are now hyaluronic acids with anaesthetic … it’s up to the patient to decide, according to his sensitivity.
Durability of results : around 15-18 months for the vermilion border; 12 months for lines and corners; 5 – 8 months for rehydrating and adding volume, but it will always depend on the individual patient and the choice of hyaluronic acid.
Consequences: injection into the vermilion zone and particularly to add volume causes a transitory oedema of the mouth which lasts from between one to five days, depending on the hyaluronic acid used and the type of correction undertaken. Do not hesitate to ask your doctor for information, because it may be embarrassing, and it may be necessary to arrange it for before a weekend.
There you have it … but treatment of the mouth is always a little stressful the first time: without any doubt it is the area about which patients feel most apprehensive, so explain your wishes and your concerns to your doctor and go for it !
